Wind-operated sailboat rudder



March 22, 193 R. MARLOW 2,112,171

WIND OPERATED SAIL-BOAT RU DDER Filed NOV. 2, 1937 Ramma MARLOW INVENTOR ATTO RN EYS Patented Mar. 22, 1938 PATENT OFFICE WIND- OPERATED Reidar Marlow,

SAILBOAT RUDDER Greenwich, Conn.

Application November 2, 1937, Serial No. 172,429

6 Claims.

This invention relates to sailing vessels, particularly toy or model sailboats and especially to helm-controlling means therefor.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a wind-actuated device which will serve to alter the course of a sailing vessel whereby it is headed in the direction of the wind.

It is another object of the present invention to provide means for maintaining a sailing vessel in the Wind, that is to say, to maintain it with its keel pointing in the direction of the wind.

It is a. further object of the present invention to provide a structure of a the type indicated wherein the wind-actuated means can be altered to provide for predetermined variations in the course of the vessel as it is acted upon by winds blowing from different directions.

It is a feature of the device according to the present invention that it is simple in construction, comprises comparatively few parts that are not readily liable to fall into disrepair.

The invention will be fully and comprehensively understood from a consideration of the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawing which forms part of the application.

In the drawing:

Fig. 1 is substantially a perspective view showing a device according to the present invention mounted in working position on a vessel;

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the preferred em bodiment of the present invention; 7

Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the structure illustrated in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a side view partially in section of a portion of the device illustrated in Fig. 3; and

Fig. 5 is a horizontal sectional view of Fig. 3 taken along the line 5-5.

Referring now to the illustrated embodiment of 1 the present invention, wherein a sailing vessel I0 is provided with helm-controlling mechanism, generally designated at II, it will be noted that the helm-controlling mechanism is mounted on the stern i2 of the vessel by means including a bracket l3 substantially as shown in Figs. 1 and 3. The bracket [3 is provided with two openings near an end thereof in one of which is mounted the dependent standard I 4 attached to said member I3 by means including a pair of lock nuts IS. The lower portion of the standard carries a guide member it mounted thereon preferably by means of lock nuts Ill and a lower plate I 8 attached to the standard preferably by lock nuts L9. The standard and the various members attached thereto are substantially non-rotatable thereby, in effect substantially providing a stern post for the ship separate from the hull.

A rudder shaft positioned within openings formed in the members l3 and I6 and abutting at the end thereof against the member I 8 carries a rudder 2|, the said shaft being freely rotatably movable within the limits determined by the abutment of a portion of the rudder against the member l6 substantially as shown in Fig. 5. The upper portion of the rudder shaft is bent to form a loop substantially as generally indicated at 22, which is in alignment vertically with the rudder, the shaft being bent upwardly after the loop has been formed therein to form a continuation of the rudder shaft substantially as illustrated in Fig. 3. A wind-actuated member 23 is associated with the upward portion of the rudder shaft by means including a shaft 24 whereon the wind-actuated member is mounted, said shaft having a loop formed on the free end thereof adapted to be received upon and held between spring-pressed washers 25 mounted on the upper portion 26 of the rudder shaft, substantially as shown, said washers being held in. position by lock nuts 21 and 28, these details being best illustrated in Fig. 4.

If desired, the member 23 can be rotated about the shaft 24 by loosening the lock nuts 29 or 3D. A resilient elastic or spring member 3|, attached to the loop 22, formed in the rudder shaft is fixedly held at the opposite end thereof at a place on the vessel in line with the keel thereof whereby the rudderis normally moved into alignment with the keel.

In use, if it is desired that the vessel be caused to head into the direction of the wind, the windactuated member 23 is disposed in substantial alignment with the rudder 2| upon the shafts 20 and 26, whereby assuming, for example, in Fig. 1 that the wind is coming from the left of the vessel (when the vessel is regarded from the front) it will be noted that the wind-actuated member 23 will be moved toward the right of the vessel, thereby causing the vessel to turn and head in the direction of the wind.

It will be noted that when the keel is in alignment with the direction of the wind, the resilient member 3| attached to the loop 22 in the rudder shaft will tend to cause the rudder to move into alignment with the keel, thereby maintaining the vessel in its course, substantially as hereinbefore described. It will of course be apparent that if it is desired to cause the vessel to travel, for instance, in a circular course, that the member 24 can be turned about the shaft 26, thereby causing the member 23 to be positioned out of alignment with the rudder 2| on the rudder shaft. By this means, as long as a Wind is blowing in the direction of the boat the rudder will be moved slightly out of alignment with the keel, thereby causing the vessel to alter its course to a corresponding degree.

It will be noted that the device according to the present invention provides means for arranging the direction of the course of a model sailboat to follow a predetermined design as well as to maintain a vessel of the type indicated on a course before the wind irrespective of changes in the direction of the wind.

It will also be noted that the member 3| at least largely minimizes alteration of the course of the vessel due to movement of the vane 23 through rolling effects.

It is to be understood that this improvement is capable of extended application and is not confined to the exact showing ofthe drawing nor to the precise construction described and, therefore, such changes and modifications may be made therein as do not affect the spirit of the invention nor exceed the scope thereof as expressed in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a sailing vessel of the type described, a hull having bow and stern portions, means for altering the course of said vessel in a predetermined manner controlled by the direction of the wind, said means comprising a plate substantially fixedly attached to and projecting from the stern portion of said vessel, said plate having a plurality of openings formed therein in the projecting portion, a stern-post-like member dependent from said plate and mounted in one of the said openings thereof, a rudder shaft journaled in another of the openings in said plate,

a rudder carried on said shaft, support and guide means carried on said stern-post-like member arranged for supporting and limiting the rotative movement of said rudder, means for altering the position of the rudder and causing rotative movement thereof controlled by the direction of the wind, said means comprising a wind-sensitive vane associated with said rudder shaft whereby the rudder shaft is rotated in a direction and to a degree commensurate with the direction and intensity of the wind.

2. In a sailing vessel of the type described, a hull having bow and stern portions, means for altering the course of said vessel in a predetermined manner controlled by the direction of the wind, said means comprising a plate substantially fixedly attached to and projecting from the stern portion of said vessel, said plate having a plurality of openings formed therein in the projecting portion, a stern-post-like member dependent from said plate and mounted in one of said openings thereof, a rudder shaft journaled in another of the openings in said plate, a rudder carried on said shaft, guide means for supporting and limiting the rotative movement of said rudder carried on said stern-post-like member,

means tending normally to hold said rudder in a predetermined position relative to the hull of said vessel, means for altering the position of the rudder and causing rotative movement thereof controlled by the direction of the wind, said means comprising a wind-sensitive vane associated with said rudder shaft whereby the rudder shaft is rotated in a direction and to a degree commensurate with the direction and intensity of the Wind.

3. In a sailing vessel of the type described, a hull having bow and stern portions, means for altering the course of said vessel in a predetermined manner controlled by the direction of the wind, said means comprising a plate substantially fixedly attached to and projecting from the stern portion of said vessel, said plate having a plurality of openings formed therein in the projecting portion, a stern-post-like member dependent from said plate and mounted in one of said openings thereof, a rudder shaft journaled in another of the openings in said plate, a rudder carried on said shaft, guide means for supporting and limiting the rotative movement of said rudder carried on said stern-post-like member, means tending normally to hold said rudder in a predetermined position relative to the hull of said vessel, said means comprising a projecting portion of said rudder shaft and a substantially resilient relatively elastic string attached to said projecting portion and to a part of said hull whereby tension in the string results in normally substantially holding the rudder in a predetermined position, means for altering the position of the rudder and causing rotative movement thereof controlled by the direction of the wind, said means comprising a wind-sensitive vane associated with said rudder shaft whereby the rudder shaft is rotated in a direction and to a degree commensurate with the direction and intensity of the wind.

4. In a sailing vessel of the type described, a hull having bow and stern portions, means for altering the course of said vessel in a predetermined manner controlled by the direction of the wind, said means comprising a plate substantially fixedly attached to and projecting from the stern portion of said vessel, said plate having a plurality of openings formed therein in the projecting portion, a stern-post-like member dependent from said plate and mounted in one of said openings thereof, said member comprising a rod threaded at top and bottom portions, a plurality of nuts arranged and cooperating with the top threaded portion of said rod whereby the rod is substantially fixedly secured in said plate, a rudder shaft journaled in another of the openings in said plate, a rudder carried on said shaft, guide means for supporting and limiting the rotative movement of said rudder carried on said sternpost-like member, means tending normally to hold said rudderin a predetermined position relative to the hull of said vessel, said means comprising a projecting portion of said rudder shaft and a substantially resilient relatively elastic string attached to said projecting portion and to a part of said hull whereby tension in the string results in normally substantially holding the rudder in a predetermined position, means for altering the position of the rudder and causing rotative movement thereof controlled by the direction of the wind, said means comprising a wind-sensitive vane associated with said rudder shaft whereby the rudder shaft is rotated in a direction and to a degree commensurate with the direction and intensity of the wind.

5. In a sailing vessel of the type described, a hull having bow and stern portions, means for altering the course of said vessel in a predetermined manner controlled by the direction of the wind, said means comprisin a plate substantially fixedly attached to and projecting from the stern portion of said vessel, said plate having a plurality of openings formed therein in the projecting portion, a stern-post-like member dependent from said plate and mounted in one of said openings thereof, said member comprising a rod threaded at top and bottom portions, a plurality of nuts arranged and cooperating with the top threaded portion of said rod whereby the rod is substantially fixedly secured in said plate, a rudder shaft journaled in another of the openings in said plate, a rudder carried on said shaft, guide means for supporting and limiting the rotative movement of said rudder carried on said stern-post-like member, comprising a stop arranged to abut against portions of the rudder during its rotation and also having an opening formed therein wherein the lower portion of the rudder post is journaled, a thrust-bearing carried on the lower portion of said stern-postlike member adapted to abut against the end of said rudder shaft whereby the downward thrust of said shaft will be absorbed in said guide, means tending normally to hold said rudder in a predetermined position relative to the hull of said vessel, said means comprising a projecting portion of said rudder shaft and a substantially resilient relatively elastic string attached to said projecting portion and to a part of said hull whereby tension in the string results in normally substantially holding the rudder in a predetermined position, means for altering the position of the rudder and causing rotative movement thereof controlled by the direction of the wind, said means comprising a wind-sensitive vane associated with said rudder shaft whereby the rudder shaft is rotated in a direction and to a degree commensurate with the direction and intensity of the wind.

6. In a sailing vessel of the type described, a hull having bow and stern portions, means for altering the course of said vessel in a predetermined manner controlled by the direction of the wind, said means comprising a plate substantially fixedly attached to and projecting from the stern portion of said vessel, said plate having a plurality of openings formed. therein in the projecting portion, a stern-post-like member dependent from said plate and mounted in one of said openings thereof, said member comprising a rod threaded at top and bottom portions, a plurality of nuts arranged and cooperating with the top threaded portion of said rod whereby the rod is substantially fixedly secured in said plate, a rudder shaft journaled in another of the openings in said plate, a rudder carried onsaid shaft, guide means for supporting and limiting the rotative movement of said rudder carried on said sternpost-like member comprising a stop arranged to abut against portions of the rudder during its rotation and also having an opening formed therein wherein the lower portion of the rudder post is journaled, a thrust bearing carried on the lower portion of said stern-post-like member adapted to abut against the end of, said rudder shaft whereby the downward thrust of said shaft will be absorbed in said guide, means tending normally to hold said rudder in a predetermined position relative to the hull of said vessel, said means comprising a, projecting portion of said rudder shaft and a substantially resilient relatively elastic string attached to said projecting portion and to a part of said hull whereby tension in the string results in normally substantially holding the rudder in a predetermined position, means for altering the position of the rudder and causing rotative movement thereof controlled by the direction of the wind, said means comprising a lever arm mounted on the upper portion of said rudder shaft firmly but yieldably associated therewith whereby it is normally prevented from relative rotation except when the rotation is produced by exertion of substantial force, and a wind-sensitive vane carried on said lever arm, whereby the rudder shaft is rotated in a direction and to a degree commensurate with the direction and intensity of the wind.

REIPAR MARLOW: 

